Brian Brady 
Termites can be tricky to find, because they often build up little walls around themselves which conceal their presence. Some things to look out for are the munching sounds that can sometimes be heard when termites are active in your home, and mud tubes build up against your property’s existing structures.
Of course home owners living in the house will be more likely to notice any significate changes as they arise, but if your home is tenanted, these things may easily be missed. Typical termite damage can include:
- Eartern masses on architraves of doors, walls, stairs or skirting boards
- Blistering, bulging or staining of paint on windows, door architraves and skirting
- Damp areas on walls may betray the presence of moist earthen materal in which termites live.
- Electrical failures causing fire by shorting electrical wiring in subfloor areas and roof cavities.
- Earthern masses in the subfloor area under moist situations such as the bathrooms and kitchens where they act as termite “half-way” properties or in roof cavities and walls.
- Damage to flooring bearers and joists of properties with pier and wall construction.
An average treatment by a professional can cost around $1,500. While this in itself is a hefty price to pay, it pales in comparison to the debt you may find yourself in if required to rectify extensive termite damage. It can also prove very costly when trying to sell your home. Countless sales have fallen through when buyers receive building inspection results and some buyers have managed to negotiate thousands off the sale price – thousands that we’re sure you’d prefer to keep in your own pocket!
An annual termite check-up is like home insurance, an essential way to maintain your greatest investment. Is your home due for its annual termite inspection?
